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Notes / Commercial Description:
Black as night and every bit Imperial, this RIS was originally launched to tremendous accolades. Going further, this Stranahan’s Whiskey barrel aged version meshes the rich chocolates, the coffee-like aromatics with the sweet whiskey nose and drying character of the oak. Slightly behind on the palette are the hops – held in restraint by the wonderfully full mouthfeel and broad flavors brought on by the perfect blend of so many malted barley varieties. Ready to enjoy upon release and perfect for extended cellaring.

Reviews by Mora2000:

Pours dark brown to black with a tan head. The aroma is coffee with roasted malt. The flavor is more of the same with some oaked character as well. Not a real strong whiskey character in the beer but still a very good imperial stout. Medium, creamy mouthfeel and medium carbonation.

More User Reviews:

Poured from 750 mL bottle into snifter.
A: Pours a thick, dark black with 1+ inch dark mocha head with decent retention eventually settling down to a thin, persisting skim. Small amount of thick lacing.
S: Potent. Sweet dark chocolate, whiskey, molasses, vanilla, brown sugar, and smooth coffee.
T: Sweet dark chocolate and whiskey hit first, followed closely by brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, oak, smooth medium roast coffee, and a hint of cream. In the aftertaste, there is a sharp up tick in the whiskey alcohol burn that lasts for several seconds which is a nice twist. With warming, dark dried fruit (e.g. prune) and leather emerge.
M: Amazingly smooth for such a behemoth. Medium-heavy body. Delectably and velvety sweet. Luscious. There is still an alcohol burn, but it is phenomenally well restrained. Lovely lingering and maturing on the palate.
D: This one started strong and only got stronger. Well done, NBC! The whiskey barrel aging perfectly complements the already solid base brew. I've got a couple more cellared for aging and I'm already looking forward to them!

Enjoyed on tap. Pours a dark side of the moon black with tan lacing that settles into a thin blanket.
The aroma is chocolate, coffee, dark fruit, oak and vanilla with a hint of leather and booze.
Big bitter chocolate flavor as well as some notes of char, dark roast coffee, vanilla and oak. A bit of boozy warmth that is not all all overbearing. As it warms, a bit of prune and leather.
Mouthfeel is thick and viscous.
Outstanding imperial stout.

Tight tan lacing, pitch black. Yeah, the whiskey says hello with oak and alcohol with some vanilla burnt sugar in the nose as well. Smoothness takes it time moving through this heavy liquid. Creamy and slightly viscous. Booze flavor is right up front but never becomes hot even with the beers higher alcohol level in play. Big roasty flavor in the middle unfolds as the beer warms up, unsweetened dark chocolate and espresso comes to mind. Burnt currants, vanilla, more chocolate and a whiskey note wrap up the finish which lands bitter sweet coming from all aspects of the beer and its barrel aging.

Bulls-eye! While the craft beer movement is still maturing there are times like these that is pure proof that the movement is advancing quicker that the beer industry has a whole would ever think. Keep it up Paul, I love what you do!!

A: Brilliant black under a pillowy 1” dark tan foam collar that paints the glass with a thin sheet of lace.
S: Cocoa, dark dried fruit, faint whiskey.
T: Creamy with more chocolate than coffee supported by dark dried fruit, vanilla and grain. Long chocolate aftertastes and a big creamy dark unsweetened chocolate bitter on the finish.
M: Fine soft carbonation produces a rich creamy texture with a medium full body. Slightly warming. The alcohol is big but not hot or solventy.
O: This beer stands out for its rich, creamy texture and the incredible balance between the different elements.

taste: Very mellow on the pallet. Character improves as it should with a quality stout as it airs and warms. The whiskey surprisingly subsides as it warms. Hard to believe its 9% ABV.

Mouthfeel: medium body

Overall: I was very hesitant to buy this at $20 for the bottle. I, as well as my beer exploring friend, was very glad that I did. If my income would support it, I would buy a case next time I had access!